touching at Gibraltar[1] and Martinique,[2] and reaching Vera Cruz on the 28th of May.
The Themis arrived a few hours in advance, to give the people notice, and bringing to them a proclamation, wherein Maximilian promised to consecrate himself to their happiness, 'by maintaining inviolable justice, equality before the law, open path for all to every career and position, personal liberty and protection of property, development of national wealth and trade, and the free unfolding of intelligence in all its relations to public interest.[3] Almonte, having come down from Mexico, presented himself on board to tender welcome, and introduce a number of representative men. In surrendering the supreme command, he received the appointment of grand marshal of the court and minister of the imperial house.[4]
Early the following morning the sovereigns landed amid a vast concourse of enthusiastic people, eager to behold personages so distinguished, the highest, as the European world goes, that had ever come to the country, and allied too in blood, the one to the actual Bourbon family of Spain, the other to the great Charles for whom Cortés had occupied Anáhuac three centuries and a half before. In this very month and on this very spot the famous captain had received the homage of Montezuma's subjects, and conceived the project of seizing the throne now offered by his liberated descendants. A glittering prize it was, envied by all Europe in those semi-barbaric days, and not least by Francis I., who consoled himself by captur-
- ↑ The governor, Lord Codrington, extending and receiving hospitalities during the stay from April 24th to 27th.
- ↑ On May 16th. Here were confined a number of Mexican prisoners, to several of whom were granted pardon and aid, the rest being promised speedy consideration.
- ↑ To the empress he left 'the enviable task of consecrating to the country all the noble sentiments of christian virtue and all the devotion of a tender mother.' Unámonos, para llegar al objeto comun; olvidemos las sombras pasadas.' Méx., Boletin Ley., 1864, 289-91.
- ↑ Almonte had entered on his office of lieutenant of the empire on May 20th. For proclamations, see Méx., Boletin Ley., 1864. The first person from the shore to be received was John Laine, captain of the port. Eco del Com. (v. 6), May 31, 1864.
